Leo Floyd Zemke

Leo Floyd Zemke, beloved husband, dad and grandpa, passed away at home, into the arms of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary on October 4, 2012.
Leo was born in Mt. Carroll on March 19, 1927, son of Emil and Ruth Slifer Zemke. He attended Mt. Carroll schools, graduating in 1945. He joined the United States Navy in 1945 ad was stationed at Bremerton, Washington. He attended Shimer College when he returned home. He married Cecilia Hawk on April 28, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna.
Most of Leo’s working years were spent with the Middle State Telephone Company (now Century Link). After retirement, he worked for Swiss Valley Farms and operated a telephone repair service, Zemke Telcom.
He had a great faith in God and was a dedicated member of SS John and Catherine Catholic Church where he served as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and Homebound Eucharistic Minister for those in Big Meadows, Good Samaritan and those confined to their own homes. A great highlight of Leo’s life was his pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Leo was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Treasurer, Grand Knight, and Faithful Navigator of Monsignor Conley Assembly #1490.
He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post #67 and was a Past Post Commander. He never wanted to miss the yearly Memorial Day parade; his most memorable parade was the one in which his grandson who was serving in the Air Force marched with him.
Leo lived his entire life in Mt. Carroll except for his service in the Navy. He was a boisterous Mt. Carroll Hawks football and basketball fan. He bowled on several leagues over a 59-year period. He helped to light the star and cross in Oakhill Cemetery for many years. He shared his humor and goodwill in abundance. He enjoyed his time with friends and family, playing cards, bowling, golfing with his son Leo at Oakville Country Club where he was a member, and playing the part of Scrooge in the annual Christmas Walk. He fed the birds that wintered over in his backyard and enjoyed the daily newspaper’s crossword puzzle.
Leo is loved and will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Cecilia; his children, Kathie of Macomb, and Leo Francis (Tina) of Mt. Carroll; grandchildren Leo Frank (Kimberly) of Jones, Alabama, Saul and Joshua of Mt. Carroll, and Bethany Worrell of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; step-great-grandson Dylan Cole of Jones, Alabama; brothers-in-law William (Jeannie) Hawk and Francis Hawk, and sister-in-law Barbara Schnitzler all of Mt. Carroll; 7 nieces and nephews and their families; and special family friends Melissa Baker and Larry Miller.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Carol Hawk, brother-in-law Alvin Schnitzler, and father and mother-in-law Bill and Mary Hawk.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at SS. John and Catherine Catholic Church, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, with military rites accorded by the Mt. Carroll American Legion, Post #67. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2012 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, with a rosary service following at 8:00 p.m. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com .
Leo and his Family appreciate the care they received from FHN Hospice.